DILI, 23 July 2026 (TATOLI) — The Government of Timor-Leste has expressed deep sorrow over the death of Portuguese singer and songwriter Luís Represas, describing him as a long-standing friend of the country whose music became closely associated with the Timorese struggle for freedom and self-determination.
“It is with profound sadness that we learned of the passing of Luís Represas, a long-standing friend of Timor-Leste,” said in a statement.
Through the musical group Os Trovante, his path became intertwined with that of the Timorese people. In 1990, with the song Timor, written by João Monge and João Gil, Luís Represas gave voice to those who could not tell the world of the atrocities they suffered during the Indonesian occupation.
The song became a symbol of the Timorese people’s struggle for freedom and self-determination in the face of the injustice inflicted upon them.
It was sung at demonstrations and vigils by children and adults alike, expressing solidarity with the Timorese people’s struggle.
In recognition of his contribution, Timor-Leste awarded Represas the Medal of the Order of Timor-Leste on May 11, 2016.
Luís Represas performed Timor on Timorese soil for the final time in August 2019 during the commemorations marking the twentieth anniversary of the Popular Consultation of 30 August 1999.
On that evening, he was joined by the emotional and free voices of thousands of Timorese who sang together in tribute to all the sons, daughters, and friends of Timor-Leste.
The Government of Timor-Leste expresses its deepest sorrow at the passing of Luís Represas and extends its heartfelt condolences to his family and friends.
TATOLI
